AN OUTSTANDING all-round game by ruckman David Hille has steered Essendon to a breakthrough victory over West Coast at Telstra Dome.
Hille's three goals and great work around the ground and a classic hanger by skipper Matthew Lloyd were the highlights in the Bombers' 22-point win, which snapped an eight-game losing streak.
The Dons dominated early but squandered a raft of chances, but gained some impetus through the last three goals of the first half, and held on to win 16.17 (113) to 13.13 (91) before a crowd of 33,386.
But the result will have no bearing on the top eight, as Essendon's win leapfrogged them to 13th position over the Eagles (14th), who have now lost their past three games.
Hille played one of his best games for Essendon in a performance that yielded 27 disposals, nine marks and 22 hit-outs, strong body work around the ground, great field kicking and agility to pick up balls around his ankles.
He bombed a massive goal on the run just before quarter-time to give the Dons the lead, kicked one from a mark in the second term and then read the play nicely to poach a rover's goal off the pack in the third.
Although West Coast's Dean Cox was one of his side's better players, Hille's performance in bettering the All-Australian big man was a big win for the Bombers, given West Coast entered the match without their other major gun, Daniel Kerr.
Lloyd provided the moment of the night with a classic hanger over Beau Wilkes early in the final quarter, and his resultant goal - and resultant jubilation - sealed Essendon's victory.
Scott Lucas also booted three goals for Essendon, young gun Kyle Reimers sparkled on a wing - partly courtesy of his orange boots - and Adam McPhee worked hard across half-forward.
David Wirrpanda booted four goals for the Eagles, but missed set shot halfway through the final quarter which would have brought his side within three goals with plenty of time left.
Essendon suffered from inaccuracy early, but West Coast probably missed more easy shots including four successive behinds before half-time.
Adam Hunter and Mark LeCras both booted three goals, while Andrew Embley was good on a wing and Jamie McNamara did well in defence.
Essendon also went into the match minus a key player, as speedster Andrew Lovett was ill.
Essendon 4.6 7.11 11.4 16.17 (113)
West Coast 4.1 6.6 9.11 13.13 (91)
GOALS
Essendon: Hille 3, Lucas 3, Neagle 3, Lloyd 2, Laycock, Lovett-Murray, Monfries, Ramanauskas, Reimers.
West Coast: Wirrpanda 4, LeCras 3, Hunter 3, Embley, Wilkes, Staker
BEST
Essendon: Hille, Reimers, Watson, Lonergan, Welsh, McPhee
West Coast: Wirrpanda, Embley, LeCras, Selwood, Stenglein,
INJURIES
Essendon: Lovett (gastro) replaced in selected side by Atkinson
West Coast: Kerr (calf) replaced in selected side by McNamara
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Rosebury, Chamberlain, Jeffery
Official crowd: 33,386 at Telstra Dome
